Each Wednesday from June 11 through July 30, Sewell will lecture on a period of fashion, its dominant trends, and the prominent designers of the time. Notable names on the schedule include Charles Frederick Worth, Jean Patou, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Halston. Coco Chanel and Alexander McQueen will be discussed, too.

Here's a breakdown of time periods covered by date: June 11 covers the 18th century; June 18 looks at the Industrial Revolution during the first half of the 19th century; June 25 turns to the second half of the 19th century; July 9 deals with the early 20th century; July 16 spans the 1930s to 1950s; July 23 spans the 1960s through the 1980s; and July 30 covers the 1990s to the present

The free talks will begin at 6 p.m. in the orientation room at Phoenix Art Museum. No registration is required, and no minimum attendance is required. For more details, visit www.phxart.org or call 602-257-1880.